Air fryer are not just for baking cakes and bread. With a bit of creativity, you can prepare quick and delicious meals using your air fryer, especially when you're short on time. Here are a few simple oven recipes that take 15 minutes or less, perfect for those busy days when you still want a tasty meal without the hassle.
1. Crispy Baked Fries
Ingredients:
- 2 medium potatoes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Garlic powder (optional)
- Dried rosemary (optional)
Instructions:
- Wash and peel (optional) the potatoes. Cut them into fries or wedges.
- Place the potato pieces in a bowl and toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and rosemary.
- Arrange the fries on a baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap.
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Bake the fries for about 10-15 minutes or until golden and crispy, flipping them halfway through.
- Once done, remove from the oven, sprinkle a little extra rosemary if desired, and enjoy!
2. Baked Cheese-Topped Tomatoes
Ingredients:
- 4 ripe tomatoes
- Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 1 tsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves (optional)
Instructions:
- Slice the tomatoes in half horizontally.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of mozzarella cheese on top of each tomato half.
- Drizzle a little olive oil over the tomatoes and season with salt and pepper.
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and bake the tomatoes for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve as a light snack or side dish.
3. Quick Baked Chicken Breasts
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Dried herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, or oregano)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, garlic powder, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Sprinkle dried herbs over the chicken for extra flavor.
- Place the chicken on a baking tray and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 75°C/165°F).
- Let it rest for a couple of minutes before slicing and serving.
4. Easy Roasted Vegetable Medley
Ingredients:
- 2 carrots
- 1 bell pepper
- 1 small zucchini
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Dried herbs (rosemary, thyme, or oregano)
Instructions:
- Peel and slice the carrots. Cut the bell pepper and zucchini into chunks.
- In a bowl, toss the vegetables with olive oil, salt, pepper, and dried herbs.
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Spread the vegetables evenly on a baking sheet.
- Roast for 12-15 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized, flipping them halfway through.
- Serve as a side dish or over rice for a light, healthy meal.
5. Simple Baked Yogurt Parfait
Ingredients:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- Fresh fruit (berries, banana slices, etc.)
- Honey to taste
- Crushed nuts (almonds, walnuts, or granola)
- A dash of cinnamon (optional)
Instructions:
- Place the yogurt into a baking dish or oven-safe cup.
- Arrange your fresh fruit on top of the yogurt, creating a colorful layer.
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake for 5-7 minutes, just until the yogurt is warmed and the fruit begins to soften slightly.
- Remove from the oven and drizzle with honey.
- Top with crushed nuts or granola and a sprinkle of cinnamon for added flavor.
Tips for Success:
- Prepping ingredients ahead of time can save you valuable minutes during cooking. Chopping veggies or marinating meat in advance helps speed things up.
- Keep an eye on your food while it’s in the oven—oven temperatures can vary, so adjust baking time as needed.
- Don’t be afraid to get creative! You can swap out ingredients based on what you have in your fridge.
These quick and simple oven recipes prove that you don’t need hours to enjoy a homemade, flavorful meal. Try these out the next time you're pressed for time but want something delicious and satisfying!